Carlo Ancelotti provides positive fitness update on injured Real Madrid player ahead of Supercopa clash

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided a positive fitness update on David Alaba ahead of their semi-final clash in Supercopa de España. Los Blancos are set to face RCD Mallorca on Thursday, January 9, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

David Alaba suffered a cruciate ligament tear in Real Madrid's LaLiga clash against Villarreal on December 17, 2023, and has been out of action since. He was named on the bench in Los Blancos' UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund in June 2024 but remained an unused substitute.

During his over-a-year absence from the pitch, Alaba has missed 59 matches for Real Madrid. However, reports about the centre-back's potential return surfaced in December 2024, including Carlo Ancelotti mentioning that the Austrian has been back in training. During the pre-match conference against Sevilla on December 22, the Italian manager said (via Forbes):

"Alaba is also doing training sessions. I think he will return to the group on the 30th and will be available, perhaps, by mid-January."

Now, ahead of Los Blancos' semi-final clash against Mallorca, Ancelotti has provided an update on Alaba, mentioning that the Bayern Munich graduate will return to action soon. The 65-year-old said (via @MadridXtra on X):

"Alaba is feeling very good. We’ll see him soon."

David Alaba arrived at Santiago Bernabéu from Bayern Munich on a five-year contract in 202. He inherited the number 4 jersey, previously worn by club legend Sergio Ramos over the past 16 seasons. He has made 102 appearances for Los Blancos while registering five goals and nine assists.

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Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid's upcoming Supercopa semi-final clash against Mallorca

Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts on Real Madrid's upcoming semi-final clash against Mallorca in Supercopa de España. Los Blancos are undefeated in their last three matches against Los Bermellones in all competitions. During the pre-match press conference, the Italian manager emphasized that his squad aims to get to the final and said (via @MadridXtra on X):

"We have a lot of respect for Mallorca. It’s a team you have to respect. Our job is to reach the final."

Speaking about what he expects from the match, Ancelotti added:

"It will be a very competitive game. They have good characteristics and they will fight for the game with us."

Real Madrid have a good record against Mallorca, having won 25 out of the last 43 matches, while Mallorca managed to bag 12 victories. The last time Los Blancos lost a game against Los Bermellones was a 1-0 LaLiga defeat back in February 2023.